At this time, the NHL nets about $190 million each year in Canadian TV deals with CBC, TSN and RDS — contracts which expire after the 2013-14 season. There is speculation claiming that figure could mushroom to about $350 million US annually, if not more.

A report in the Sports Business Journal suggested that Sportsnet was the frontrunner in negotiations for a new national Sunday Night Game of the Week.

Sports Business Journal also reported that that CBC will fork over $175 million annually — a increase of $54 million US per year for what they are shelling out now - in order to maintain the Hockey Night in Canada tradition.

For what it’s worth, TSN employs some of the best hockey insiders in the country, a list that includes McKenzie, Darren Dreger, James Duthie and Pierre LeBrun.